WILMINGTON — The holiday season is here and, for many people, that means shopping, vacations and spending time with family, but it’s also a time of the year that leaves many residents vulnerable to crime.
The Wilmington Police Department is reminding people to stay vigilant during the holidays and protect themselves against would-be criminals.
“Citizens are especially vulnerable to preventable crimes during the holiday season, which is why we encourage everyone to be alert and cautious. Don’t leave presents in plain view, lock your cars and houses, and be aware of your surroundings,” Crime Prevention Specialist Edward Pompey said.
From package theft to home burglaries, WPD has released of a list of “Dos and Don’ts” to keep safe this holiday season.
The Dos
- Monitor your financials (check your credit card and bank statements)
- Park in well-lit areas
- Leave a light or TV on
- Try to shop during daylight hours
- Lock your car
- Track your online shipments and make sure someone is home to collect them when they’re delivered
The Don’ts
- Don’t flash cash
- Don’t let packages pile up at your door
- Don’t drink irresponsibly
- Don’t post on social media when you’re out of town or going shopping
The United States Postal Service also offered customers 10 tips to protect mail and packages over the holiday season.
- Avoid sending cash in the mail – checks and money orders are safer
- Do not leave delivered mail and packages unattended
- Consider an alternate shipping address, like the neighbors who are home during the day or an office
- Change the packages address while in transit
- Customize the delivery with specific instructions of where the postal carrier should leave the package if nobody is home
- Use the Hold for Pickup option that allows customers to pick packages
- Hold mail if heading out of town for a period of time – this prevents mail from piling up in the mailbox
- Use signature services that require the customer to sign for delivery
- Choose the most secure delivery to document the parcels chain of custody
- Consider using a PO box
Michael Praats can be reached at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
